'I was loving it' - Declan Rice's Man United admission as midfielder set for West Ham transfer

Declan Rice has previously admitted Old Trafford is one of his “favourite” football stadiums to play in amid reports linking the midfielder with a summer move to Manchester United.

The England international cemented his status as a West Ham United legend last night by skippering the club to its first major honour in 43 years. A nervy 2-1 victory over Fiorentina crowned the Hammers as Europa Conference League champions - becoming just the second side to win the competition.

Rice played 11 of West Ham’s 13 games - including all but one knockout fixture - to inspire his side to glory. It is now widely expected that the 24-year-old will bid farewell to the London Stadium and seek pastures new this summer.

Irons owner David Sullivain admitted following the Conference League win that Rice - valued at £100million - has likely played his last game for the club. He told talkSPORT: “I think it has to be (his last game). We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.

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“You can't ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement - or several replacements.

“It cost him £10million (in wages) to stay at West Ham and he wants to go. You can't keep a player who doesn't want to be there. It's not something we want to happen. We offered him £ 200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.”

While Bayern Munich are reportedly expressing interest, a host of Premier League clubs are also vying for his signature. Arsenal remain the bookmakers’ favourite but Man United trail slightly behind at 13/2.

An ace up Erik ten Hag’s sleeve could be how Rice has already expressed his adulation for Old Trafford.